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Thread: Steering angle sensor

  1. #1
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    Steering angle sensor

    I have a 2003 525i and the DSC Light is on constantly; no other lights showing. The code returned from my BMW scanner is 68-Steering angle sensor (internal).

    All my research indicates that the steering angle sensor needs to be recalibrated. So, I performed the recalibration twice. The first time I used my code reader; the second time I used the Tool32 application.

    Both attempts yielded the same result: the DSC light went out, but came back on as soon as I turned the steering wheel the slightest amount in any direction.

    Does this mean I need to replace the sensor?




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  2. #2
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    Someone just did something with a steering angle sensor a few days ago.
    Don't remember who, someone should chime in with info.

  3. #3
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    They do go out. Not as frequently as on E46 it seems, but they do die. Im assuming its a carbon-track pot and it gets contaminated or worn and sends improbably signals and the DSC can detect that... Not an expert tho maybe theres a trick or two I am missing.
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  4. #4
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    I could be wrong however my understanding of the sensor is that it's an optical wheel with index markings on it, maybe one mark for every degree.
    Last edited by JimLev; 08-10-2018 at 09:57 PM.

  5. #5
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    Hmm! Could be!? Who’s gonna bust one open for us?
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by KeepPedaling72 View Post
    I have a 2003 525i and the DSC Light is on constantly; no other lights showing. The code returned from my BMW scanner is 68-Steering angle sensor (internal).

    All my research indicates that the steering angle sensor needs to be recalibrated. So, I performed the recalibration twice. The first time I used my code reader; the second time I used the Tool32 application.


    Both attempts yielded the same result: the DSC light went out, but came back on as soon as I turned the steering wheel the slightest amount in any direction.

    Does this mean I need to replace the sensor?



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Probably...I had same symptoms, and diagnosed at the dealer, they replaced the sensor on my high mileage 540 about two years ago...Do they go out of calibration much?
    2001 540 M-Sport (cdn), ST X (KW) coilovers, H&R 15mm spacers, Eibach anti roll bars (28mm/18mm), Beastpower rear antiroll bar brackets, M5 rear chassis reinforcements (traction rods), Strong Strut front upper strut bar, Dinan Stage 1 software, factory M-Audio subs, Bavsound speaker upgrade, Bluebus bluetooth integration, Stop Tech SS brake lines, ATE coated brake rotors, ATE ceramic brake pads.

  7. #7
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    Never had a problem with mine....knock on wood.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by JimLev View Post
    Never had a problem with mine....knock on wood.
    Just from my last 17 years of watching these forums, I haven't seen much issue with steering angle sensors. Seems to be more of they work, or on rare occasions they do not. I have not heard of anyone recalibrating as a fix. But I don't knock the OP for trying....I certainly would before replacing the part. Should be an easy fix if he has the software to calibrate after installation.
    2001 540 M-Sport (cdn), ST X (KW) coilovers, H&R 15mm spacers, Eibach anti roll bars (28mm/18mm), Beastpower rear antiroll bar brackets, M5 rear chassis reinforcements (traction rods), Strong Strut front upper strut bar, Dinan Stage 1 software, factory M-Audio subs, Bavsound speaker upgrade, Bluebus bluetooth integration, Stop Tech SS brake lines, ATE coated brake rotors, ATE ceramic brake pads.

  9. #9
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    They do go bad which will require replacement, programming and then calibration...

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  10. #10
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    I don't think they were optical until the E60.
    Sensor should only need alignment if DSC module is replaced/changed, front end damage or alignment make steering wheel crooked.

  11. #11
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    Than everyone for the helpful responses. I guess I will be twisting and turning under steering column to remove it.


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  12. #12
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    1987 325is, e34, Z3, e39
    Yes, the e39 has the carbon track version, not the later optical one.

    They become contaminated with the grease from the bearing immediately above. The heavy oil results in mangled contact brushes. If you catch it early you might be able to clean the oil off.

    Disassembly takes a small Torx driver -- I remember it as a T8, but it might be a T7 or T10.

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